Lessons Learned In Marcus Sedgwick's Novel Revolver

Musical instruments are something many, but not enough, people hold dear to their hearts. Whether it’s playing in a formal orchestra after years of technical training or sounding out Christmas carols for the family, people tend to have a love for music. I have always had a love for playing the piano, since I began playing when I was six and still do today. Throughout my journey, I have learned many lessons that I can apply to my life overall. These lessons have also appeared in many works of literature, some of which we have read throughout the year.

One main lesson I have learned while mastering the piano is perseverance. Even when I don’t know the notes or can’t play the correct rhythm, I must persevere and keep trying to learn the correct

Musicians must not only learn the notes, but correct technique, chords, and dynamics. Sig Andersson, the protagonist in Marcus Sedgwick’s novel Revolver, also learns the importance of knowledge. Sig “... was reminded of his father, who would always say, ‘Know what you can. Know everything you can know’” (Sedgwick 17). Sig later uses his knowledge of guns to save himself from a killer. Sig and I both learn the importance of gaining knowledge about what we are doing. I brought a theory book to show how piano requires knowledge. The books focus on teaching rhythm, timing, and technique, all of which I must have knowledge about to be successful. Revolver taught me that in order to be successful in something, it is important to be as knowledgeable as

For example, a song may look simple on the page, but having the right technique can make it very difficult to play. Billy Weaver in Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady” learns that people may not be like they seem. The lady states “‘But my dear boy, he never left. He’s still here...they’re on the third floor…’” (Dahl par. 82). It turns out she poisons her guests and preserves them, but Billy didn’t realize this until too late. I must also realize what it will take to perform a song well even if the page doesn’t reflect